Michael Lunsford is the founder and executive director of Citizens for a New Louisiana, a nonprofit organization advancing transparency, accountability, and constitutional governance at the state and local level. What began as a simple question about the accuracy of a local education claim grew into a broader effort to verify, analyze, and expose how public policy is actually made. Through investigative reporting, policy analysis, and strategic advocacy, his work has exposed systemic inefficiencies, challenged entrenched interests, and equipped both citizens and lawmakers with actionable insight.

He is also the architect of StateLens, a legislative intelligence platform designed to track, analyze, and compare policymaking activity across multiple states. Built for grassroots organizations and elected officials alike, the platform provides real-time visibility into legislation, voting patterns, and policy alignment—bridging the gap between public engagement and the legislative process.

Lunsford’s writing and commentary focus on the intersection of governance, institutional influence, and individual liberty. His work is widely read for its clarity and data-driven approach, translating complex legislative activity into decision-ready information.

He regularly engages with policymakers, advocacy groups, and national networks to advance transparent and responsive government.

Jill Hines is a board member of Citizens for a New Louisiana and a leading advocate on informed consent and medical policy in Louisiana. Known for her work with Health Freedom Louisiana, she has spent years engaging with state and federal policymakers through legislative outreach, written analysis, and public testimony.

Her work has influenced major policy debates surrounding individual rights in healthcare decision-making, and she is a plaintiff in the landmark federal case Missouri v. Biden addressing government involvement in speech suppression.

As a board member, she provides subject-matter expertise on complex regulatory and public health issues, supporting the organization’s broader mission to advance transparency, accountability, and constitutional governance.

As Legislative Policy Director, Grace Sandefur leads Citizens for a New Louisiana’s statewide legislative engagement, strengthening relationships with lawmakers and leading strategic outreach.

A Juris Doctor candidate concentrating on legislation and government, she has gained experience in state and federal legislative offices, the Louisiana Department of Justice, and multiple successful campaigns. She is a frequent presence at the State Capitol, where she has testified on legislation and engaged directly in the policymaking process.

Sandefur brings a combination of legal training, practical political experience, and a strong commitment to Louisiana’s future.

Matthew serves as lead investigator for Citizens for a New Louisiana, specializing in public records analysis and investigative research. He is responsible for identifying, organizing, and interpreting large volumes of government documents to uncover patterns, inconsistencies, and overlooked details.

With a background in law enforcement and private investigation, Matthew brings a practical understanding of how public institutions operate—and how they attempt to withhold information from the public. His work frequently involves navigating complex records processes and identifying and challenging the improper use of public records exemptions.

In addition to his investigative role, he plays a central part in developing research findings into structured analysis, helping translate raw information into clear, actionable insight. His work forms the backbone of the organization’s reporting, supporting both public-facing articles and deeper policy analysis.

Ryan supports investigative operations as a surveillance and field intelligence specialist. He contributes to the organization’s ability to verify information, track developments, and gather real-world context that complements document-based research.

Working alongside the investigative team, he helps connect on-the-ground observations with broader patterns identified through public records and policy analysis.

Here at Citizens for a New Louisiana, self-authenticating public records reign supreme. Politicians and bureaucrats may lie to the public and hide behind claims of “free speech.” Falsifying public records, however, is a crime—one that carries serious penalties, including jail time. This is Morgan’s space.

Her focus is finding the small details most people never think to check. She reviews audits, ethics filings, committee records, and budget documents with a level of attention that makes omissions as revealing as disclosures. Where others see routine paperwork, she sees patterns taking shape.

Her work often begins long before questions are asked—cross-referencing Legislative Auditor reports, Board of Ethics filings, and the movement of public funds through bodies like the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. When inconsistencies surface, they are the result of her careful, methodical analysis across multiple data sources.